As an expert on Internet searches, you’re probably only a few keywords away from finding a number of how-to guides on various home improvement projects. And while picking up a hammer and screwdriver may be helpful for certain tasks, doing it yourself can actually cost you valuable time and money in other areas. As an expert in home theater installations in the Philadelphia area, Chima Gale of 360 Media Innovations fully understands the advantages of hiring a professional as opposed to trying to add a home theater or audio system yourself. In fact, when you look at the benefits, it’s hard to imagine why you would even attempt the installation on your own in the first place.
The main reason that many people insist that do-it-yourself projects are worth the effort is because they save money. The argument is that if you can learn a trade and execute a project on your own, why pay someone else to do it for you? However, Gale points out, you probably aren’t saving yourself as much money as you think, or any money at all for that matter. For starters, he says, your time is money. With all of the other daily responsibilities you have, you are going to have to spend a lot of time reading up on various electrical, design, and installation techniques before you can even attempt to begin. And, since it’s likely to be your first experience with this trade, you’re bound to have a few blunders or questions along the way. On the other hand, if you hire an experienced professional, you will be taking only about an hour out of your day for a consultation, and then you’re free to do as you please while the technicians go to work.
Additionally, Gale adds, since audio and visual companies form special bonds with certain vendors, they can often times pass those extra savings on to you. For example, if you go to a popular retailer to purchase your new TV and sound system, you will be paying an escalated price. By using 360 Media Innovations or a similar business, you will probably save yourself hundreds of dollars on equipment expenses - which may end up covering most of the labor costs.
Personal problem solvers
If you attempt to install a home theater or audio system by yourself, or even hang a flat screen TV, who are you going to call if something goes wrong? With 360 Media Innovations, a technician will be more than happy to come back to troubleshoot any problems or make a fix on any product that he has previously installed for you. And, if you are moving or updating your technology, someone from the company will also come to uninstall your old products and install the new equipment.
Don’t try this at home
One of the rising trends in audio and visual technology for the home definitely requires the expert hands of an experienced technician, though the benefits are certainly worth it. For a little over a year, Gale says, his company has been installing home automation systems for clients. Through careful wiring and programming, a specialist is able to connect various aspects of your home, including your lighting, heating, and alarm systems, into one automated system that you can easily control and program. For example, if you know that you won’t be home until after dark, but you don’t want to return to a pitch black house, you can set the system so that the lights in a few rooms turn on as the sun goes down.
Since there are numerous possibilities for the combination of elements that can be included, the design process tends to take a bit longer than the other services that 360 Media Innovations provides. Once you and your technician have decided which systems in your home to include, a number of separate components will all need to come together. For instance, he continues, if you want to control your HVAC system through this programming, then your HVAC company will have to come out and make sure that the current system can handle the demands. However, this will all be arranged by the home installation company you hire so that you won’t have to be bothered with any of the scheduling.
Gale explains that he and his technicians take the home automation process very seriously, and with continuing education classes every year and constant field experience, he is confident that his team is providing clients with services that can’t be taught by reading a few guides or blogs online.